The diversified portfolio of subsistence activities was apparent with the forest based livelihoods supplemented with wage labour both agricultural and related to park maintenance. The cash income of Rs. 100/- a day has remained a lucrative source of income to the tribal, even though there has been several support to start enterprises like grocery shop, flour mills, tent houses and trading. The assistance was extended to the ladies. That definitely has increased the status of women in their households.
The land holdings have been too small. Therefore improved techniques of agriculture attracted the women, especially the vegetables and poultry. The flour mills also were also flourishing.
The livelihood pattern in August 2010 is as follows:
NREGA work : 2250, Agrl Wage labour : 1000, Wage work in Park : 3000
Timber & bamboo : 2000, Firewood: 3600, Broom grass : 300, Herbs : 500
Amla , Char : 2000, Tendu Patta : 4500, Mahua & Dori : 7000, Agriculture : 1500
The analysis has been done in September 2014. The salient features are √ The contribution of agriculture has increased to 30% of the livelihoods. √ Forest produce collection has reduced from 72% to 47%. There is no more getting to the core areas √ Processing has been introduced in which drying of Anwla, grading of mahua is included. Harvesting of local herbs like chireintha and Musarmundi has been encouraged. Non farm activities include grocery store, tent house, flour mills. √ Agri-allied activities include poultry, and Diary.